Julie Letsche

Years at OCCS:  2023 - present

Educational Background: Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Dakota and a Master’s Degree in Reading Education from University of Sioux Falls  (Formerly Sioux Falls College)

Professional Experience: Marcus Elementary (and MMC, MMCRU) 1985 - 2022 where I taught first grade, second grade, and Title One reading.  I have also taught college classes for Northwestern, Buena Vista University, and NWAEA. I have supervised student teachers through Buena Vista University and William Penn University.

Family: My husband Jeff and I have been blessed with our son Ben and his wife Gillian, our son  Nick and his wife Kristi, our son Michael, and our daughter Jillian and her husband Taylor. Added blessings are our grandchildren Sydney, Syerra, Jack, Savannah, Skyler, Henry, Ronen, Blake, Halle, Calvin, and Kipton.

Being together with friends and family, spending time outdoors, reading, having Sunday supper, and attending our grandkids events are some of my favorite things to do.

Faith Statement:  I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. He loves us, gave us his only begotten son Jesus Christ who died for our sins. Leaning on His will and His way is what guides my life.  What a privilege and joy it is to spend our time here on Earth giving praise and honor to our God.  We get to be the hands and feet of Jesus to everyone we meet.  As a teacher we are gifted the responsibility to ensure every child is treated with love, respect, and guided towards Jesus by all we do and say.  It is such a joy to be able to teach reading and share about God and his great love for us as we learn together.

One of the bible verses that guides my life is Philippians 4:4-7 “ Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!  Your kindness should be known to all.  The Lord is near.  Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Church Membership: Holy Name Catholic Church, Marcus.